Sports swing development device

ABSTRACT

A practice batting device having an elongated gripping portion and an elongated weighted portion interconnected with a spring. A swing speed indicator is positioned within the elongated weighted portion to determine the swing speed of the device. Removable plates permit a selected practice weight, thereby targeting strength training for eliminating recoil effects and snapping the user&#39;s wrists to simulate the impact of the bat striking an imaginary ball.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to sports swingdevelopment devices and more specifically, to a practice batting devicecapable of indicating swing speed and simulating the counter force andmotion of an object at contact. The present invention is particularlyuseful in, although not strictly limited to, batting applicationstargeting strength training and an accurate indication thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The ability to drive a ball a long distance is the basis forsuccess in a variety of sports. As the dynamics of sports equipment haveimproved, so has player performance. Records continue to be broken inbaseball, softball, golf and other sports wherein new bats, clubs andmallets enable superior swing-play execution.

[0003] Whether working to fully realize the dynamic benefits of atechnologically advanced golf club or trying to maximize the performanceof a simple wooden bat, players strive to develop and perfect theirswing. To assist in this development, swing simulating practice devicesare utilized. The simplest of these involves adding weights to apractice device, such as a bat, to enhance warm-up motion and to buildstrength.

[0004] Other practice devices are designed to assist a player inbreaking his or her wrists to develop a snap to the stroke at impactresulting in maximized acceleration. One such device is described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,399,996 to Boyce wherein the handle and the head of apractice bat are connected with a spring. In use, a player positions onehand below the spring on the handle, and the other hand above the springon the head of the bat. The device teaches a tactile sensation whenswung by a batter, wherein the upper hand overruns the lower hand,imparting a leverage and acceleration to the impact portion of the bat.While this device may assist a batter in breaking his wrists, it doesnot effectively simulate the counter force and motion of the ball atcontact. Furthermore, it does not provide a means of directly validatingswing improvement. Thus, in light of the present invention, the practicebat of Boyce is disadvantageous.

[0005] An alternative practice device, described in U.S. Pat. No.5,014,984 to Brockhoff, utilizes gripping points to assist a batter withproper wrist rotation. This device is specifically designed to addressthe batter wrist rotation element of a swing, not to improve thebatter's strength and swing speed. As such, the Brockhoff device isdisadvantageous.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,111 to Alvarez describes a practice bathaving a weighted end portion interconnected by a resilient spring. Thedevice is directed to warm up a batter, and to aid a player in breakinghis or her wrists to achieve a maximum stroke. Alvarez teaches thatduring the practice swing, momentum will cause the weighted end portionof the device to pivot or flex backward, and then forward therebyinfluencing the movement of the batter's hands and arms causing thewrists to break ahead of the bat. Thus, like the Boyce practice bat, theAlvarez bat may assist a batter in breaking his wrist, but does nottarget improvement of batter strength or swing speed.

[0007] Furthermore, while Alvarez provides weighted end portions ofdifferent weights or sizes dependant upon the size and strength of theperson using the practice bat, it does not allow for graduated weightadjustment during training. Even if the weighted end portions of Alvarezwere adequate, the bat provides no method for tracking or improvingswing performance. Thus, in view of the present invention, the Alvarezbat is disadvantageous.

[0008] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for aweight adjustable swing development practice bat wherein swing speed isindicated and the negative weight and motion of an object at contact issimulated thereby improving batter strength and swing speed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention overcomes the above-mentioneddisadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such a practice bat, byproviding an adjustable weight batting device capable of indicatingswing speed and simulating the negative weight and motion of an objectat contact thereby targeting strength training for elimination of recoileffects.

[0010] According to its major aspects, the present invention is a bathaving two flexibly-linked elongated portions, a readable speed gaugeand removable weighted plates. More specifically, the present inventionis a bat wherein an elongated gripping portion and an elongated weightedportion are interconnected with a spring. A speed gauge is positionedwithin the weighted portion to determine the swing speed of the deviceand to provide a visual readout. Removable weight plates are positionedat the proximate end of the weighted portion. Each plate is centrallysecured to a threaded shaft.

[0011] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a practice bat to indicate swing speed thereby validatingimprovements. A speed gage can be either built in the bat or added onthe bat.

[0012] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a device to simulate the counter force and motion of a movingball at contact.

[0013] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a practice bat to target strength training for eliminatingrecoil effects.

[0014] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a practice bat to cause the batter's wrists to snap, simulatingthe impact of the bat on an imaginary ball.

[0015] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a practice device to improve swing speed.

[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the abilityof such a device to assist in assessing appropriate bat weight formaximized speed and impact energy by combining a swing speed indicatorand adjustable bat weight.

[0017] These and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionwill become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdescription and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will be better understood by reading theDetailed Description of the Preferred and Alternative Embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like referencenumerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout,and in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a practice bat according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the practice bat ofFIG. 1 showing an internal arrangement of adjustable weights.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the practice bat ofFIG. 1 showing an internal spring anchoring structure.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a practice bat of FIG. 1 shown inuse for strength building.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the practice bat of FIG. 1 shownin use for studying and increasing bat speed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In describing the preferred and alternative embodiments of thepresent invention, as illustrated in the figures, specific terminologyis employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is notintended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and itis to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention is a practice bat10 comprising two elongated portions 20 and 40 connected by spring 100.Elongated portions 20 and 40 have proximal ends 22 and 42, respectively,and distal ends 24 and 44, respectively. Spring 100 is positionedbetween proximal ends 22 and 42.

[0026] Elongated portion 20 is substantially cylindrically-shaped. Thecircumference of elongated portion 20 is greatest at proximal end 22 anddecreases gradually to gripping region 26 where the circumference issubstantially constant. Base portion 28 is preferably positioned ondistal end 24 adjacent gripping region 26. Base portion 28 has asubstantially flat, bottom surface 28 a. Surrounding surface 28 bextends therefrom to a flat, annular inner surface 28 c attached togripping region 26. Outer surface 26 a of gripping region 26 issubstantially covered with a grip-enhancement material 26 b such as, forexemplary purposes only, rubberized gripping mesh, sports grip tape orany other known gripping material.

[0027] Elongated portion 40 is substantially cylindrically-shaped.Removable cap 46 is rubberized and is positioned on distal end 44. Cap46 has a flat top surface 46 a, and a curved surrounding surface 46 bextending to a removable cylinder 48. Cylinder 48 is positioned ondistal end 44 secured by cap 46.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, inner surface 46 c of cap 46 is threaded toreceive and secure a threaded male member 70. Preferably, male member 70is positioned axially within distal end 44 secured to cap 46. Fasteningmembers 70 a are radially positioned within elongated portion 40adjacent end 44, to secure male member 70.

[0029] A plurality of weighted plates 72 are removably positioned withincylinder 48 adjacent distal end 44. Plates 72 are substantially flat,circular-shaped discs 74 having a threaded central opening 74 a, wherebyplates 72 are removably secured to male member 70.

[0030] Preferably, readable speed gauge 80 is positioned within portion40 with readable surface 82 wherein the swing speed of device 10 ismeasured and indicated. Gauge 80 is known in the art and is preferablymechanical. One skilled in the art would readily recognize that, while amechanical speed gauge is preferred, an electronic or computerized speedgauge could be utilized to perform substantially the same functionwithout substantially affecting the inventive concept of the presentinvention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, coil spring 100 has first end 102, secondend 104 and center portion 105. First end 102 is axially positionedwithin end 22 of elongated portion 20. Second end 104 is axiallypositioned within end 42 of elongated portion 40. Center portion 105 ispositioned between elongated portion 20 and elongated portion 40,permitting elongated portion 40 to pivot relative to portion 20.Fastening member 106 is positioned within portion 20 adjacent end 22,passing through and securing end 102 of spring 100 to end 22. Fasteningmember 108 is preferably positioned within elongated portion 40 adjacentend 42, passing through and securing second end 104 of spring 100 to end42.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, practice bat 10 could be a golfclub instead of a bat.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, outer surface 26 a of gripping region26 could be formed with a grip-enhancing texture.

[0034] In still another embodiment, bat 10 could be formed withoutremovable weighted plates.

[0035] In yet still another embodiment, practice bat 10 could be formedwithout readable speed gauge 80.

[0036] Speed gauge 80 could be computerized for recording and analyzingswing speed measurements.

[0037] In use, cylinder 48 is removed from portion 40 of practice bat 10and a selected number of weighted plates 72 are secured to male member70 with cap 46. The number of weighted plates 72 determines the swingingweight of bat 10.

[0038] As best seen in FIG. 4, to build wrist strength, a player placeshis hands around gripping portion 26 and swings the bat approximatelyone-half of a full swing. Portion 40 initially lags behind portion 20,and then swings forwardly to simulate the impact of an imaginary ballstriking portion 20, causing the bafter's wrists to snap. An increase inwrist strength is developed to accommodate the initial contact of a ballduring actual play.

[0039] As best seen in FIG. 5, to study swing speed, a player gripsgripping portion 26 and swings practice bat 10 in a full swing. Byreading speed gauge 80, the player determines the swing speed attainedfor the chosen practice weight. Preferably, a minimal weight is utilizedfor the initial practice swing. Swing speed is verified and anadditional weighted plate 72 is added. The player swings again with theincreased weight and again checks his or her attained swing speed,repeating the process until there is a drop off in the swing speed. Whenmaximum performance is achieved and verified, the player is able toensure that the proper weight bat is purchased and utilized for maximumperformance in actual play.

[0040] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that thesedisclosures are exemplary only, and that various alternatives,adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of thepresent invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited tothe specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by thefollowing claims.

[0041] Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A practice bat, comprising: a first elongated portion having a firstend and a second end; a second elongated portion having a first end anda second end; a coil spring having a first end and a second end, saidfirst end of said spring being disposed within said first end of saidfirst elongated portion, said second end of said spring being developedwithin said second end of said second elongated portion; a firstspring-attaching means extending through said first elongated portioninto said first end of said spring to connect the spring to the firstportion; and a second-spring attaching means extending through saidsecond elongated portion into said second end of said spring to connectthe spring to the second portion, whereby the second portion of the batcan swing with respect to the second portion as the bat is being swungin a practice batting motion so as to snap the user's wrists.
 2. Thepractice bat of claim 1, further comprising a swing speed-indicatingmeans, carried by said second elongated portion.
 3. The practice bat ofclaim 2, wherein said speed-indicating means is a mechanical gauge. 4.The practice bat of claim 2, wherein said speed-indicating means iselectronic.
 5. The practice bat of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of removable weighted plates, and means for mounting aselected number of plates on the second bat portion.
 6. The practice batof claim 5, further comprising an end-cap removably secured to saidfirst end of said second elongated portion, wherein said plurality ofweighted plates are removably carried within said second elongatedportion.
 7. The practice bat of claim 1, wherein said first springattaching means and said second spring-attaching means are elongatedmetal pins.
 8. The practice bat of claim 1, wherein said second end ofsaid first elongated portion defines a handle.
 9. A practice bat,comprising: a first elongated portion having a first end and a secondend, said second end defining a handle; a second elongated portionhaving a first end and a second end; a spring having a first end and asecond end, said first end of said spring secured within said first endof said first elongated portion, said second end of said spring securedwithin said second end of said second elongated portion; a firstelongated fastener extending through said first elongated portion intosaid first end of said spring; a second elongated fastener extendingthrough said second elongated portion into said second end of saidspring; a speed-indicating means carried by said second elongatedportion; a plurality of removable weights; and an end-cap removablysecured to said first end of said second elongated portion, wherein saidplurality of weighted plates are carried within said second elongatedportion.
 10. The practice bat of claim 9, wherein said speed-indicatingmeans is a mechanical gauge.
 11. The practice bat of claim 9, whereinsaid speed-indicating means is electronic.
 12. The practice bat of claim9, wherein said first elongated portion carries a grip-enhancingsurface.
 13. The practice bat of claim 12, wherein the circumference ofsaid first elongated portion is maximized adjacent to said first end,and wherein said circumference is gradually decreased progressing towardsaid second end to said handle.
 14. The practice bat of claim 9, furthercomprising a removable cylinder, said cylinder carried by said first endof said second elongated portion.
 15. The practice bat of claim 14,further comprising a threaded member axially positioned within saidfirst end of said second elongated portion, said plurality of removableweights are substantially flat, circular-shaped discs having asubstantially circular centrally positioned hole whereby said discs areremovably positioned around said threaded member and retained thereby,and wherein said end-cap has a threaded inner-surface whereby saidend-cap is secured to said threaded member enclosing said plurality ofremovable weights within said removable cylinder.
 16. The practice batof claim 15, further comprising a plurality of elongated fastenersradially extending through said first end of said second elongatedportion and securing the positioning of said threaded member therein.17. The practice bat of claim 9, further comprising a plurality ofelongated fasteners radially extending through said first end of saidfirst elongated portion, wherein said elongated fasteners secure thepositioning of said spring therein.
 18. A practice bat, comprising: afirst elongated portion having a first end, a second end and agrip-enhancing surface, said second end defining a handle, wherein thecircumference of said first elongated portion is maximized proximate tosaid first end and wherein said circumference is gradually decreasedprogressing toward said second end to said handle; a second elongatedportion having a first end and a second end; a spring having a first endand a second end, said first end of said spring secured within saidfirst end of said first elongated portion, said second end of saidspring secured within said second end of said second elongated portion;a first elongated fastener extending through said first elongatedportion into said first end of said spring; a second elongated fastenerextending through said second elongated portion into said second end ofsaid spring; a speed-indicating means, carried by said second elongatedportion; a plurality of removable weights; a removable cylinder, saidcylinder carried by said first end of said second elongated portion; andan end-cap removably secured to said first end of said second elongatedportion adjacent said removable cylinder, wherein said plurality ofweighted plates are carried within said removable cylinder.